Kernel module load via insmod

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Detects the use of the insmod binary to load a Linux kernel object file. Threat actors can use this binary, given they have root privileges, to load a rootkit on a system providing them with complete control and the ability to hide from security products. Manually loading a kernel module in this manner should not be at all common and can indicate suspcious or malicious behavior.

Rule type: eql

Rule indices:

  • logs-*

Severity: medium

Risk score: 85

Runs every: 5m

Searches indices from: now-9m (Date Math format, see also Additional look-back time)

Maximum alerts per execution: 100

References:

Tags:

  • Elastic
  • Host
  • Linux
  • Threat Detection
  • Persistence
  • Rootkit

Version: 3

Rule authors:

  • Elastic

Rule license: Elastic License v2

Rule query

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process where event.type == "start" and process.executable : "/usr/sbin/insmod" and process.args : "*.ko"

Framework: MITRE ATT&CKTM